Careers

Our Employment Philosophy

Because the quality of Otonomy’s employees is the key to our success, we carefully select each new employee. We are committed to developing products that will benefit people’s lives and build value for our shareholders. As a team, we value honesty and integrity, knowledge, initiative and leadership, and a commitment to quality and improvement in everything we do. We want our decisions and actions to demonstrate these values. We treat one another with respect and take pride in the significant contributions that come from teamwork and the diversity of our organization. We strive for excellence and sound, responsible decision making. We know that Otonomy’s success depends on the performance of each member of our team.

When filling open positions, we will always strive to select the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, medical condition, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, veteran or other protected status. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to Affirmative Action for Minorities, Women, Individuals with Disabilities and Veterans.

Current Openings

Research

Scientist, Drug Target Biology

The Scientist, DTB will create a capability that enables the investigation of therapeutic targets and candidate molecules in cochlea cells and tissue using molecular, biochemical and electrophysiological techniques to support the growth of Otonomy’s pipeline. Design, develop and validate biomarkers to support the company’s applied translational research, target selection, and clinical development efforts in ear diseases.

Requirements includes a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, Neuroscience, or related discipline. Qualified candidates will also have 5+ years of experience in a comparable role with a biotechnology or pharmaceutical company required. Comprehensive knowledge of current practices in in vitro cell and molecular biology and pharmacology research within Neuroscience, Ophthalmology and/or Otology. Experience in developing testing models for drug target characterization and validation, with a desire and experience in translating new biology into viable therapeutics a plus. Expertise in assay development, automation of assays, and state-of-the-art molecular and biochemical techniques. Experience writing and submitting reports in support of regulatory submissions (INDs). A primary focus and experience in signaling and regulatory pathways, pharmacology or neuroscience is preferred. A commitment to high-quality research and the execution of research plans in a timely and organized manner. Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact effectively with collaborators, clients, vendors and personnel, who may have different levels of technical knowledge and understanding.

Associate Scientist, Biology

The Associate Scientist will contribute to the investigation of therapeutic targets and candidate molecules in cochlea cells and tissue using molecular, biochemical and electrophysiological techniques to support the growth of Otonomy’s pipeline. Develop biomarkers to support the company’s applied translational research, target selection, and clinical development efforts in ear diseases. Develop, and execute in vitro biochemical molecular and cell based assays in support of applied drug discovery and development. Develop and validate testing models to assess drug-able pathways of human ear disease to evaluate the efficacy of small molecule drug candidates and to facilitate selection of relevant ear diseases for preclinical and clinical evaluation. Conduct biomarker studies of candidate drugs in animal models in close collaboration with the Preclinical Group.

Requirements include a BS/BA. in Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, Neuroscience, or related discipline or the equivalent education and experience. Qualified candidates must also have 5+ years of experience in a comparable role with a biotechnology or pharmaceutical company required. Comprehensive knowledge of current practices in in vitro cell and molecular biology and pharmacology research within Neuroscience, Ophthalmology and/or Otology. Experience in developing testing models for drug target characterization and validation, with a desire and experience in translating new biology into viable therapeutics a plus. Expertise in assay development, automation of assays, and state-of-the-art molecular and biochemical techniques. Experience writing and submitting reports in support of regulatory submissions (INDs). A primary focus and experience in signaling and regulatory pathways, pharmacology or neuroscience is preferred. A commitment to high-quality research and the execution of research plans in a timely and organized manner.

Pharmaceutical Development

Sr. Scientist/Manager – Analytical Chemistry

This individual will develop and execute directly and through staff the Company’s Analytical Development efforts to support pre-formulation, formulation, process development, and clinical supply and CMC requirements. Develop phase appropriate methods to support Otonomy’s development programs. Transfer methods to contract labs and manage related technical activities including ongoing and new stability programs. Assist in preparing CMC input and documents for regulatory submissions.

Requirements include a Ph.D. degree in Analytical Chemistry or related disciplines or the equivalent education and experience. Qualified candidates must have in-depth scientific knowledge and hands-on relevant industry experience of at least 5-7+ years in the development and validation of analytical methods. Hands-on experience in more than one of the following techniques is a must: HPLC, UPLC, GC, SEC, Particle Size, Mass Spectrometry, and Dissolution. Hands-on experience with effectively managing external contract sites is a must. Ability to exercise independent judgment in developing methods and evaluation criteria needed to obtain results is required

Must have excellent working knowledge of cGMP practices, ICH Quality Guidelines and other regulatory requirements. Good knowledge of solid state characterization (e.g. XRPD, IR, NMR, Adsorption Isotherm, DSC, TA, Surface Area Measurement, Particle Size Measurement, and Flow Properties) is a plus as is familiarity with characterization of sustained and controlled release formulation. Must have experience in completing quality sections for regulatory submissions

Director, Pre-Formulation/Formulation

The Director of Pre-Formulation/Formulation is responsible for development of novel formulations that will add value to existing and future products. This incumbent will lead the generation of new formulation ideas and test and develop into robust formulations using good scientific rigor and processes. H/she will develop robust and cost effective formulations that may be used in clinical and commercial production, as well as plan and execute experiments to support the development of novel sustained release formulations for the inner ear related diseases including but not limited to formulation screening studies, drug product dosage form, selection of appropriate delivery systems, stability storage, and analytical testing. In addition, the Director will provide scientific input into intellectual property strategies; includes, but is not limited to defense and expansion of existing patent estate of current technologies, as well as expansion into new technologies. This position will also work closely with Development and Pre Clinical to meet corporate development goals as well as Business Development to assist in evaluating in licensed and/or partnered assets to ensure successful formulation of future products.

Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline is required, and a Masters/Doctorate (Ph.D.) degree is preferred. Qualified applicants will have 8+ years of directly related experience with 3+ years in a management role. Expertise in the formulation of a variety of drug product dosage forms with more specific expertise in suspensions and/or sustained release product required. Process development experience and knowledge of the drug development process with specific experience in suspensions and extended release formulations preferred. Experience in contributing to initial drug application sections for regulatory filings needed. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required, as well as strong interpersonal abilities necessary to influence various audiences in the organization.

Manager, Quality Control

The manager will oversee method validation and method transfers for late stage (Phase 2 through commercialization) development programs performed at contract organizations. Develop and oversee stability programs conducted to support later stage clinical development programs and regulatory filings. Lead method transfer activities between contract testing labs and/or contract manufacturing organizations to support manufacturing and release of drug products, drug substances and raw materials as required. Oversee stability programs at contract testing labs, including ICH registration stability studies and commercial products stability programs. Perform technical review of data, provide stability summaries and trends for regulatory submissions.

Requirements include a B.S. or M.S degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences or a related discipline, or the equivalent education and experience. Qualified candidates must also have at least ten (10) years’ experience in pharmaceutical drug development specifically, analytical development and QC.At least 5 years of experience working with contract test laboratories on stability programs and method validation activities. Experience in managing ICH registration stability studies, release and stability testing of commercial drug products is preferred. Hands on experience and a solid understanding of a variety of analytical methods, and regulatory guidelines related to method validation and transfers. Excellent analytical and problem solving skills are required. Excellent verbal and writing skills are essential.

Commercial

Director, Trade Relations

The Director develops trade and distribution strategies that ensure product supply to dispensing customers and patients. Leads the development of account level plans of action for the wholesale and pharmacy channels to include order management and distribution/logistics of finished goods from 3PL to customers, including returned good processing. Develops, manages, and maintains key supplier (third party logistics (3PL) and wholesalers) relationships and contractual agreements including Distribution Service Agreements (DSA). Institutes key performance metrics regarding service levels, inventory backorders, inventory turns, and forecast accuracy to ensure budget and performance goals. Develops and communicates on-going distribution strategies considering changes to the market, new product introductions, new volume of business, and maximizing value of services while supporting Company objectives.

Requirements include a Bachelor’s Degree in Science, Engineering, Finance, Business, or related discipline or the equivalent education and experience. Advanced degree in these same areas preferred. Qualified candidates must also have 10-15 years total commercial pharmaceutical related experience with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in pharmaceutical Trade management including hands-on experience in the development and implantation of Trade customer contracts, including recent experience managing Wholesale, Retail, Specialty Pharmacy, and Distribution contracts. Additional experience across Pharmaceutical Sales and or Marketing roles preferred. Experience in establishing distribution strategies for new product launches needed. Strong compliance mindset a must. Previous team management experience and Trade customer account management preferred. Must be able to travel up to 25% time.

Manager, Marketing Logistics

This position is responsible for project management to support commercial product launches and providing support for marketing programs and materials management including promotional review committee, meetings and events, speakers bureau, promotional materials management and other marketing operations as needed. The manager will provide project management for the company’s launch brands through leadership of interdisciplinary launch team meetings. Key responsibilities include developing, maintaining and revising project timelines, anticipating issues and managing action items across the launch team. Provides launch dashboard summary reports to team members and senior management highlighting key accomplishment and issues related to launch readiness. Also provides logistical support for the promotional review committee (PRC) to facilitate efficient cross functional review and approval of advertising and promotional materials and ensure proper submission, review, approval, tracking, and dissemination of material in accordance with FDA and internal requirements. Will also provide logistical support for the process by which approved materials (print and digital) are distributed for use, held in inventory, and fulfilled as requested. Serves as liaison between marketing and sales/sales operations to ensure efficiency of marketing materials fulfillment.

Requirements include a Bachelor’s degree (business preferred) or an equivalent combination of relevant education and applicable job experience may be considered. Qualified candidates will also have a minimum of 5 years’ of experience in the pharmaceutical industry in a variety of progressively responsible and applicable commercial/marketing positions required. Excellent project management skills including management of cross functional launch teams. Experience in promotional review committee logistics and understanding of FDA requirements needed. Experience coordinating marketing activities and materials management including speakers bureau, trade shows, commercial meetings and events. Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact effectively with collaborators, clients, and vendors necessary. Knowledge of Microsoft Project required.

Clinical Development

Head of Biostatistics

Incumbent will develop, execute and communicate the Biostatistics strategy for all Otonomy compounds to ensure that studies are designed and analyzed to achieve clinical development goals, and that the Otolaryngology and broader commercial community is appropriately educated and enthusiastic about the science and therapeutic applications within the Otonomy product portfolio. The Head of Biostatistics is expected to provide hands on statistics support on an as needed basis. Work with project team to decide on appropriate study design and statistical methodology for routine designs, and provide protocol input, randomization schedule, and guidance on database activities. Responsible for protocol review with the clinical team, and assist in the development and advancement of the randomization schedule, sample size and power calculations. Responsible for protocol statistical methods and provide assistance to CROs in the development of the Statistical Methods section in clinical study protocols.

Requirements include a Ph.D., Pharm.D., or M.S. with relevant board certifications or the equivalent education and experience. Qualified candidates will have 8+ years of experience in a comparable role with a biotechnology or pharmaceutical company required, as well as experience working with CROs. High degree of technical competence and communicative ability, both oral and written. Competent in experimental design, descriptive and inferential statistics, biometrics and computer systems. Must have pharmaceutical or related industry experience with clinical trials, including interaction with Regulatory Agencies, especially FDA and ICH guidelines. Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact effectively with collaborators, clients, vendors and personnel, who may have different levels of technical knowledge and understanding.

Business Operations

Vice President and General Counsel

The VP, General Counsel will manage Otonomy’s legal needs in the areas of securities and corporate law, contracts management, intellectual property, and general legal matters associated with finance, commercial, business development, and human resource operations. Oversee Commercial compliance-related policy development and reporting including compliance with the Sunshine Act; ensure compliance with all other domestic and international statutes and regulations. Supervise the efforts of external law firms and legal advisors. Serve as the Company’s Corporate Secretary.

Requirements include a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, or other related discipline as well as a J.D. degree. Educational focus on contract, patent and/or securities law preferred. Qualified candidates will also have a minimum of 15 years’ relevant experience as a corporate attorney either at a top law firm or in industry. Must have at least 5 years’ directly relevant experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry, preferably with a public company. Experience dealing with a variety of complex issues in the securities, patent and contracts areas strongly preferred. Excellent interpersonal and project management skills, including the ability to interact effectively with collaborators, clients, vendors and personnel, who may have different levels of technical knowledge and understanding, is required. Incumbent will be capable of implementing new ideas, programs and motivating staff and contractors to produce effective results, while working in a “roll-up-the-sleeves” working environment.

Executive Assistant

This position provides administrative/secretarial support to the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and the Chief Commercial Officer involving the coordination of highly complex details and completion of advanced administrative duties. The E/A will prepare, review, edit and revise correspondence, presentations, spreadsheets and graphs utilizing word processing, spreadsheet and desktop publishing software; transcribe information of a technical and/or sensitive nature; may be required to take meeting and/or conference call minutes; interact with counterparts of Board members and other key external executives to execute duties; coordinate meetings and conference calls by preparing agendas and the meeting space, monitoring attendee needs during the meeting; maintain calendar(s), complete travel requests, greet visitors and oversee their visit; research, compile and summarize information to formulate correspondence and respond to various inquiries from internal and external customers and complete and manage on-going project assignments including but not limited to document processing, report compilation and event coordination to support the assigned executive’s efforts.

Requirements include a bachelor degree in Business Administration, Human Resources or a related discipline, or the equivalent knowledge and experience preferred. Qualified candidates will also a minimum of five years of highly applicable experience working with a CEO and/or other top executives handling a variety of complex and sensitive issues. Must demonstrate exceptional computer skills and relevant software application proficiency.